Midfielder says missing Brazil left him with a sour taste, and spurred him on
to seal a £10 million move to Sunderland

Jack Rodwell decided to leave Manchester City because of the bitterness he felt while watching England play at the World Cup.

Rodwell, who has signed for Sunderland in a £10 million deal, last played for his country more than 12 months ago having fallen out of Roy Hodgson’s thinking because he could not get a game for City.

Rodwell was once regarded as one of the best prospects in the country after emerging from the Everton Academy, but a £12 million move to City in 2012 quickly turned sour and he managed only nine appearances in two years at the Etihad Stadium.

Injuries have not helped the 23-year-old, but he was rarely given a chance to play, even when he was fit, and the competition for places from senior international players was too severe for a young Englishman to cope with.

“Watching the World Cup left a little bit of a bitter taste in my mouth,” Rodwell told SAFC TV. “I was supporting the team 100 per cent, but I also wanted to be there so I think it’s time I put that right, get back playing and get back in the squad. The last couple of seasons I have not played nearly enough football as I have wanted to play.

“The regular football is the most important thing for me, to play football and get back to enjoying it, so this is a great place for me to be.”

Sunderland have pursued Rodwell for months and it was the faith manager Gus Poyet and director of football Lee Congerton showed in him that persuaded the midfielder to move to Wearside, where he has signed a five-year deal.

He said: “I met up with manager and all the people involved with the club. They told me about the club and their vision and it swayed me.

“Every time I have played here the fans have been great, you feel the passion in the North East and to be part of that is great.

“I’m just going to give my all every game, be a good box-to-box midfielder, hopefully score some goals and I will always give it 100 per cent.”